Dealer Spotlight: Fitztec Autos, Tara, Co. Meath

Meath sits right beside Dublin, so many buyers in the county look at dealers on both sides of the border before they decide. Smaller independent garages in rural Meath are often a good fit for people who want a straightforward, unhurried buying experience close to home. Fitztec Autos is one of these. It is a family-run car and van dealer near Tara, between Navan and Dunshaughlin, and it focuses on quality imported used cars rather than one brand. In this Dealer Spotlight we look at where the dealer is, what it offers according to its own website, and what to check when you buy a used car or van in Meath.

About Fitztec Autos

Fitztec Autos describes itself as a family-run, independent car and van dealership in County Meath. The business is based at St Killian's, Ross, Tara, Co. Meath, C15 FN80. Its website says the yard is beside Ross Cross, just off the old Navan to Dublin Road, and it gives the drive to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre as about 20 minutes. That location makes it practical for buyers coming from Navan, Trim, Ashbourne, Maynooth and the west side of Dublin.

The dealer says it believes in giving customers plenty of time to browse, ask questions and enjoy a no-pressure test drive. Instead of fixed showroom hours, the website states that Fitztec Autos is available by appointment at any reasonable time. For many buyers that is a real advantage: you can arrange an evening or weekend viewing that fits around work, and you get the seller's full attention when you arrive.

Image: Fitztec Autos website

What Fitztec Autos offers

According to its website, Fitztec Autos specialises in Irish and Japanese imports. The dealer says its vehicles are supplied with warranted mileage, mechanical inspections and history checks. It regularly stocks popular models such as the Volkswagen Golf, the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Prius, alongside hatchbacks, saloons, estates, hybrids, SUVs, crew cabs and commercial vans. If you are researching one of those models first, our guides to the Volkswagen Golf, the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Prius explain the versions sold in Ireland and what to look out for.

The website lists several services that make buying simpler:

• Finance: the dealer says it can offer a range of finance options, including for buyers with poor or no credit history, and takes applications through an online form. Approval and terms are decided by the lender.
• Warranties: optional parts and labour warranties are available, according to the dealer.
• Car sourcing: Fitztec Autos says it sources cars to order from its suppliers in the UK. You describe the car you want, including fuel type, and the dealer comes back to you.
• Vans and crew cabs: because the dealer stocks commercial vehicles as well as cars, it is worth a call if you are a tradesperson or a small business looking for a work vehicle.

Buying a used car or van in Meath: practical checks

Whichever dealer you choose, a few simple checks protect you. These apply to any used car or van bought in Ireland, and they are especially useful with imported vehicles:

• Check the paperwork. Ask for the Vehicle Registration Certificate and make sure the details match the car, including the chassis number. For an imported car, ask when it was first registered in Ireland. Our guide to importing a car from the UK explains how VRT and registration work.
• Look at the NCT history. Check the NCT expiry date on the windscreen disc and the certificate. Cars over four years old need a valid NCT, and the NCTS website explains the test schedule.
• Ask what the inspection covered. If a car has been mechanically inspected, ask what was checked and whether any work was done. Ask for the service history too.
• Take a proper test drive. Drive at different speeds, try the brakes, listen for knocks and check that all warning lights go out after start-up.
• Know your rights. When you buy from a dealer, consumer law gives you rights if a car is faulty or not as described. The CCPC website explains them in plain English.

Our used car buying checklist for Ireland covers these steps in more detail, and you can bring it with you on your viewing.

Find Fitztec Autos on EcoSteer

Fitztec Autos is a member dealer on EcoSteer, the Irish used car marketplace that lists petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars. You can view the dealer's profile and current cars at Fitztec Autos on EcoSteer. If you want to compare options across the county, browse used cars for sale in Meath or search all cars for sale in Ireland by make, fuel type and budget.

Before you visit, call the dealer on 086 271 8282 to arrange a time, since viewings are by appointment. Bring your driving licence for the test drive, and if you plan to use finance, have proof of income and address ready to speed things up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fitztec Autos located?

Fitztec Autos is at St Killian's, Ross, Tara, Co. Meath, C15 FN80. The dealer says it is beside Ross Cross, just off the old Navan to Dublin Road, and easy to reach from Navan, Trim, Ashbourne, Maynooth and Dublin.

When can I visit Fitztec Autos?

According to its website, the dealer is available by appointment at any reasonable time. Call 086 271 8282 before you travel to arrange a viewing or a test drive.

Does Fitztec Autos sell vans as well as cars?

Yes. The dealer describes itself as a car and van dealership and lists hatchbacks, saloons, estates, hybrids, SUVs, crew cabs and commercial vans among the vehicles it stocks.

Can Fitztec Autos find a specific car for me?

Yes. The dealer offers a car sourcing service and says it sources cars to order from its suppliers in the UK. You fill in a short form on its website with the car you want and the dealer gets back to you.

Sources

• Fitztec Autos, home page
• Fitztec Autos, Contact
• Fitztec Autos, Apply for Finance
• Fitztec Autos, Car Sourcing
• NCTS, National Car Testing Service
• CCPC, consumer rights